15/11/2024
MISS UNIVERSE 2024 NATIONAL COSTUME
Each National costume is a celebration of the authentic identity of each country. This is a platform to showcase who we are as a nation. The deep and organic history of a nation and theextensive influence of countries that we have traded and welcomed not just in our land but embraced in our culture.
“Hiraya”
An ancient tagalog word which translate to a deep meaning of “sana”… “I hope”… “I wish”. It is the ability to create or envision things in one’s mind often relating to aspirations, hopes or desires.
Hiraya is a vision of what will become…. It is clear in your mind, and it speaks truthfully in your heart. It is a vision of what and how things are in the future. Believing in once was a dream and aspiration to being able to touch and live it into reality. Faith can navigate us through life. No matter what religion we believe in. If we pray for something, devote and give our faith and work for it, in God’s perfect time everything is possible. Despite all the hardships, chaos, roadblocks and redirection that we go through, believe that there is hope and Divine guidance from a Higher Being.
The Story and Inspiration
This National Costume is a symbolism of the far and profound history and relationship between the Philippines and Mexico. Itreflects the shared deep devotion of both countries to religion. It depicts the colorful and historical introduction ofChristianization and Islam in the Philippines. Islam being thereligion of our Muslim brothers and sisters, is represented here with the traditional fabric of Inaul from the Province of Sultan Kudarat and the ornaments and accessories like Tongkaling from the Island of Mindanao. The rich culture and religious belief of the Muslims are depicted by the majestic and intricate colors and fabric of the Inaul and the decorative forms and patterns of Islamic art. Tongkaling are bells that create distinctive sound with movement. They are believed to bring protection and blessings to the wearer. Puni is also showcased in this National costume. Puni, jewelry and crown making are some of the most popular arts in the province of Bulacan. Puni is a creative way of decorating using coconut fronds. Meycauayan, Bulacan is known as the pioneer where jewelry and crown making began.Together, these materials are intertwined and cohesively combined into the story of this National Costume.
The Galleon trade played a very significant role in introducing trade and religion into our country. The exploration from Spain and Mexico led to the Christianization of the most parts of our country. Together with the spread of Christianism in the country, we embraced and continued our devotion to the religious images such as to Our Lady of Antipolo (Our Lady of Good Voyage), which is historically carved and brought to our country from Mexico during the 16th Century as one of the remarkable and historical image during the galleon trade and up to present time gives us faith to help protect and guide us as we voyage throughour lives.
This National Costume is a symbolism of the far and profoundhistory and relationship between the Philippines and Mexico. The undeniable bond between our countries and the anecdotes and factual evidence of Mexican treasures and culture in our blood. Carefully researched and masterfully crafted, thisNational costume shows Islam and Christian devotion in the Philippines. A testament that religions can live peacefully and harmoniously, venerating and respecting each other’s practices and beliefs together as one nation.
Photography, Creative Direction & Produced by: Seven Barretto
Art Direction & Set Design: of
National Costume & Jewelries: .halasan
Creative writer: Dr. Arnold P. Manuel
Special thanks to: Puni
Rev. Fr. Nante Tolentino & Ms. Kim Vallado
Printing: Jojo Fajardo of Wise Ink Branding Solutions
Styling:
Makeup: &
Hair: &
Photography team:
@_kennethmarcelino@studio7manila
Special thanks to: .ph .
_deleon
of espaciocreativo.escolta
Video team: .studios
Video assistants:
BTS:
Shot on Location: First United Building Escolta .escolta
